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Abraham praises SNAP work requirements in new Farm Bill

April 12, 2018

Press Release

WASHINGTON - Congressman Ralph Abraham, M.D., R-Alto, praised the new work requirements for able-bodied adult SNAP beneficiaries that are outlined in the 2018 Farm Bill, which was introduced today (April 12).

The new Farm Bill will close loopholes and eliminate outdated eligibility requirements that create disincentives to work in the current SNAP program, sometimes referred to as food stamps. New work requirements will be streamlined and simplified and paired with meaningful investments in workforce training.

The new system will require 20 hours per week of participation in – or a combination of – work, a work program and/or SNAP employment and training for work-capable adults ages 18-59. Anyone receiving SNAP and subject to the work requirement is guaranteed a spot in a SNAP employment training program (SNAP E&T).

“SNAP provides an important safety net for many Americans, but I want it to be an on-ramp to success, not a lifestyle for work-capable adults. The new Farm Bill makes reasonable and streamlined changes to eligibility requirements that will result in more adults who are ready for the workforce. These changes will help people break out of the cycle of poverty and climb the economic ladder,” said Dr. Abraham, Louisiana’s only representative on the House Agriculture Committee.

Exemptions to the work requirements will be made for caretakers of children under age six, pregnant women, and those who are mentally or physically disabled. SNAP eligibility will not change for children, seniors or the disabled. Those who are working and receiving SNAP will still be allowed to continue their path.

The new Farm Bill will also establish a national database of SNAP beneficiaries, which will allow the federal government to know precisely how many people receive benefits and will reduce the number of people fraudulently receiving benefits in multiple states.

States must meet the minimum services requirement and provide SNAP E&T services to all non-exempt SNAP participants subject to the work requirement. The state is subject to warnings, suspensions and disallowance of administrative funds for failing to meet the requirements. A state’s inability to offer a spot in SNAP E&T does not compromise an individual’s eligibility.

Mark up for the Farm Bill is scheduled in the House Agriculture Committee is scheduled for Wednesday morning.